Doctor Who_ Hope - Mark Clapham [26]
As they sat around the table, Silver ordered his staff to bring drinks, and had Miraso effect introductions between them. Silver seemed interested in them all equally, something Fitz didnt feel entirely comfortable with. There were times when the Doctors tendency to be an attentionmagnet was welcome.
I gather youre travellers, said Silver innocuously, pouring himself a glass of water from a large jug. His human eye looked straight across at the Doctor. Something tells me youre from further away than just some community of throwback inbreds.
Fitz almost choked on his drink.
Weve come some distance, said the Doctor levelly, evenly returning Silvers stare. He took the water jug and poured himself a glass. Id be interested to know why youve come to such conclusions.
The unmistakable life signs of humanity, said Silver. He tapped the rim of his glowing red robot eye. This allows me to see more than others. By the way, Doctor, Id watch your heart rate if I were you. It seems rather over exercised.
The Doctor didnt blink. Thank you for the advice, he said flatly. I presume you intended to talk about something other than my health.
Silver shrugged, a gesture that resembled a mountain range doing a Mexican wave.
You are not from this planet, you are not from this time, said Silver. I thought I was the last human this far into the future and even I am a borderline case. To meet other time refugees like yourselves, others who are far from their place in history, is a rare luxury. I have to admit you three have intrigued me.
Were glad to be so entertaining, said the Doctor. But there is business we need to discuss.
Fitz had never seen the Doctor so cold. He hoped the Doctor wasnt going to blow these negotiations with his bad attitude. Im always ready to discuss business, said Silver, one eye narrowing. Please go on.
I have a box, said the Doctor simply. It contains my personal possessions, and sank into the sea on the edges of Hope. I was told you might be able to retrieve it.
Silver sat back, pressing his hands together in a thoughtful gesture akin to steepling his fingers. Of course, in this case the fingers of one hand barely covered the palm of the other. He paused.
This will be very difficult, said Silver. Very expensive and difficult, and you are strangers to this place with little to offer in terms of wealth. While I would like to offer my help without charge, Hope is a place of scarce resources and I am, I am afraid, a businessman at heart and need to protect my interests. He paused again, leaning forward across the table. However, I am sure a mutually satisfactory arrangement can be made, so that your box may be returned to you.
And what do you want in return? asked the Doctor suspiciously, leaning forward so that he and Silver were barely a foot apart.
You work for me, said Silver simply. The people of Endpoint, a few exceptions like dear Miraso aside, are savages. I need people of delicacy to work for me, and the three of you seem intelligent enough.
Im not for hire, said the Doctor indignantly.
Silver tapped his finger on the table so hard the noise echoed around the room. Everyone else had left, and the only other people there were staff, busy clearing the wreckage.
You wont find anyone else who can retrieve something from those hostile waters, Doctor, said Silver. I can tell youre a man of principles, the way you jumped to the defence of all and sundry back there proves it. And I can offer you a task that will fit with your principles, if you wish. Consider it a case of you helping me and me helping you, if it eases your conscience at all.
And what is this task? asked the Doctor. I may act to defend others, but Im not a fighter or a killer if thats what youre after.
I didnt think so, said Silver. What I wish you to do is save lives. A number of murders have occurred. Now, death is no stranger to Hope, as you have probably gathered from tonights fracas. This is a violent world, these are harsh times. But